By Mark Pszonak
The Class of 2022 has already produced several impressive players, a number of which were selected in the recent NFL Draft. But while players like Travis Hunter, Walter Nolen, Tetairoa McMillan and Jihaad Campbell are ready to start their professional careers, many others from their Class have had difficulty finding success at the collegiate level. Here are five that have likely come to a “now or never” situation during the 2025 season.
LB Jeremiah Alexander – Clemson (transferred from Alabama)
Considered one of the top twenty recruits in the Class of 2022, Alexander redshirted as a true freshman at Alabama before playing in 24 games over the next two seasons but only totaled eight tackles. He decided to look for greener pastures during the offseason and found a new home at Clemson. While he will likely be a backup this season with the Tigers, playing behind Wade Woodaz and Sammy Brown, there is potential for him to make an impact.
DE Quency Wiggins – Colorado (transferred from LSU)
Wiggins played in five games as a true freshman at LSU, including a promising Citrus Bowl performance against Purdue when he finished with four tackles. However, in 2023 he only played in four games which led to his transfer to Colorado after the season. His first season in Boulder wasn’t impactful, with only one tackle while mostly playing on special teams. There hasn’t been a great deal of buzz regarding Wiggins during the off-season, but he is likely to receive some quality reps as a backup defensive end.
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RB Branson Robinson – Georgia State (transferred from Georgia)
Robinson showcased his potential during his true freshman season at Georgia with 330 yards and three touchdowns, two of which came in the National Championship Game. However, injuries then derailed his progress in Athens. He suffered a ruptured patella tendon during summer camp in 2023 which cost him the whole season and then a right knee injury in 2024 cost him the final eight games. During the current offseason Robinson decided to restart his career elsewhere, which resulted in a transfer to Georgia State. If healthy, he can dominate the Sun Belt Conference this season.
QB Devin Brown – Cal (transferred from Ohio State)
One of the top Class of 2022 quarterbacks, Brown redshirted as a true freshman before sitting behind Kyle McCord in 2023 and then backing up Will Howard in 2024. He passed for 331 yards, three touchdowns and one interception during his time with the Buckeyes, which included a start in the Goodyear Cotton Bowl Classic at the end of the 2023 season. He arrives at Cal, where he is competing for the starting job with true freshman Jaron-Keawe Sagapolutele.
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OL Zach Rice – Syracuse (transferred from North Carolina)
Considered one of the top offensive lineman recruits during the Class of 2022, Rice’s time in North Carolina never reached expectations. He redshirted as a true freshman, then played in 12 games in 2023, mostly on special teams, and six games in 2024. His recent commitment to Syracuse should give him the opportunity to revive his career, especially with two years of eligibility remaining.
